Galtee Walking Club Tipperary

Basic Safety Advice for People New to Hillwalking.

Hillwalking is a
wonderful
recreational activity - it's a healthy form of exercise, it doesn't
cost much to get started and you can do it in most counties in Ireland.
But there are risks attached, newcomers to the hills need to be aware
of these risks and take sensible precautions.
The risks on the hills are caused mainly by three factors: weather,
terrain and remoteness.
Before starting out, decide where you are going and how long the walk
should take. The distance you walk, the amount of height gained, your
fitness and the fitness of those you walk with, will all influence the
time your walk takes. Other factors such as the weather and the type of
ground you're walking on will also affect your timing. It's easy to
under-estimate the time required, so start by choosing shorter routes
and noting the time taken. There are many hillwalking guidebooks
available, which include route descriptions, plus distance and
estimated time. Get a weather forecast for the area and ensure you have
time to get off the hill before dark.
Weather changes in the mountains - the higher you go in the hills, the
lower the temperature (drops 1°C for each 100 metres of ascent); the
wind is stronger up there (2 to 3 times the speed in the valleys);
there is more rainfall (3 times that in the valleys) and there is more
risk of mist and cloud (mist on the tops 3 days out of 5). Weather
conditions can change in minutes in the Irish hills and you need to be
equipped to cope with this.
Walking boots with good ankle support are essential when walking
off-road. Always wear clothing suitable for the outdoors and carry
spare warm clothes at all times. Jeans and cotton should be avoided (if
they get wet they will not dry, causing loss of body heat and energy
and possibly contributing to the onset of hypothermia). A waterproof
jacket and over-trousers, warm hat and gloves are essential,
irrespective of the weather on starting out.
Carry a rucksack for spare clothing, food and a hot drink for the walk
plus some spare high-energy snacks such as chocolate, glucose sweets or
energy bars. A torch, whistle, small first aid kit and plastic survival
bag are also useful.
Know where you are in the hills at all times. This involves having a
walking map - usually 1:50,000 scale (waterproof or in a case), compass
and, most important, the ability to use these effectively in poor
visibility. Most mountain rescue call-outs, whether for missing or
injured persons, arise from an initial error in navigation.
Be careful about foot placement, as there is always the risk of
concealed holes, rocks, slippery ground and soft bog. Be particularly
careful when descending steep ground and when crossing streams and
rivers. Streams in flood are deceptively dangerous. Most accidents
happen on the way down, when people are tired, rushing or no longer
paying attention.
It's better not to walk alone in the hills, particularly if there
aren't other people in the area, and if alone do not take any chances.
The remoteness of the hills in bad weather can be very unnerving, even
for experienced walkers, and can lead to serious mistakes being made.
Try to leave word with a responsible person about where you will be
walking and at what time you expect to return. Mobile phones can be of
help in emergency situations or for calling to say you will be back
later than expected, but never rely on being able to use a mobile phone
in the hills as coverage is often poor. Never do
anything which you would not do if you did not have the phone with you.
In an accident or emergency situation, stay calm and take time to think
things through. To get help phone 112 or 999 and ask for Mountain
Rescue. The recognised mountain distress signal is six blasts on a
whistle, or six flashes of a light, in succession followed by a one
minute pause and repeated until you get a response (three blasts or
flashes is the appropriate response). Mountain Rescue is a voluntary
service and should only be contacted in a genuine emergency.
Think about doing a training course in hillwalking, for example the
popular Mountain Skills scheme (usually run over two weekends). The
skills of navigation are simple, it just takes a bit of practice and it
will greatly improve your enjoyment and safety in the hills.
Alternatively, join a hillwalking club, there are social benefits and
you will also have the company of experienced walkers. Many clubs also
provide training for their members.